A Mouthwatering Chinese Recipe Guide: Chicken with Shiitake Mushroom

Chicken with shiitake mushrooms is a classic Chinese dish that is both easy to prepare and healthy. This comfort dish is perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. The chicken is tender, succulent and fragrant, while the shiitake mushrooms add a delightful earthy flavour to the dish.

To make this dish, you will need a few essential ingredients such as chicken, shiitake mushrooms, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and rice wine. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and ginger for at least an hour before being steamed with the shiitake mushrooms. The dish is then garnished with fried garlic and green onions.

Cooking techniques are crucial to the success of this dish. Steaming the chicken with the shiitake mushrooms ensures that the chicken is cooked to perfection, while the mushrooms absorb all the flavours of the marinade. The fried garlic and green onions add a crispy texture and a fresh flavour to the dish.

Key Takeaways

• Chicken with shiitake mushrooms is a classic Chinese dish that is easy to prepare and healthy.
• Essential ingredients for this dish include chicken, shiitake mushrooms, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and rice wine.
• Steaming the chicken with the shiitake mushrooms and garnishing with fried garlic and green onions are crucial steps in making this dish.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making Chinese chicken with shiitake mushrooms, there are a few essential ingredients that you need to have in your kitchen. These ingredients are key to achieving the authentic flavour and texture of this classic dish.

Choosing the Right Chicken

The type of chicken you use is crucial to the success of this recipe. You want to choose a whole chicken that is fresh and of good quality. It is important to note that the skin-on, bone-in chicken is preferred for this dish, as it adds flavour and helps to keep the meat moist during cooking.

Shiitake Mushrooms: Fresh Vs Dried

Shiitake mushrooms are a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and they play a key role in this recipe. You can use either fresh or dried shiitake mushrooms, but each has its own unique flavour and texture.

Fresh shiitake mushrooms have a meaty texture and a mild, earthy flavour. They are a good option if you can find them, but they can be more expensive than dried mushrooms.

Dried shiitake mushrooms, on the other hand, have a more intense flavour and a chewy texture. They need to be soaked in water for several hours before use to rehydrate them.

Key Chinese Seasonings

To give this dish its signature flavour, you will need to use a few key Chinese seasonings. These include soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and spring onion.

Soy sauce and oyster sauce are both essential for adding saltiness and depth of flavour to the dish. Ginger and garlic add a fragrant aroma and a spicy kick, while Shaoxing wine brings a subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavour, and spring onion adds a fresh, oniony taste.

If you want to experiment with the recipe, you can also add seafood to the dish. Shrimp or scallops would be a great addition to the recipe, and would complement the chicken and shiitake mushrooms well.

Recipe Preparation

Marinating the Chicken

To prepare the chicken for the Chinese steamed chicken with shiitake mushroom recipe, you will need to marinate it first. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate it with a mixture of soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, and cornstarch. This will help to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavour. You can also add some seafood like prawns or scallops to the marinade for an extra burst of flavour.

Prepping Shiitake Mushrooms

The shiitake mushrooms are a key ingredient in this recipe, so it's important to prepare them properly. Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for at least 30 minutes until they are soft. Once they are soft, remove the stems and slice the caps into thin pieces. You can also add some fresh seafood like squid or crab to the mushrooms for an added flavour.

Sauce and Seasonings Mix

The sauce and seasonings mix for the Chinese steamed chicken with shiitake mushroom recipe is simple yet flavourful. Mix together oyster sauce, soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and chicken stock to create a thick and savoury sauce. You can also add some seafood like prawns or lobster to the sauce for an extra burst of flavour.

The preparation for this recipe is easy and straightforward. By marinating the chicken, prepping the shiitake mushrooms, and mixing the sauce and seasonings, you can create a dish that is bursting with flavour and aroma. Don't be afraid to experiment with different seafood options like prawns, scallops, squid, or crab to add an extra layer of flavour to this classic Chinese dish.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-Frying in a Wok

Stir-frying is a popular Chinese cooking technique that involves cooking small pieces of food quickly over high heat in a wok. When making chicken with shiitake mushroom, you can use a wok to stir-fry the chicken and mushrooms together. This method allows the ingredients to cook quickly and evenly, resulting in tender chicken and flavourful mushrooms.

To stir-fry in a wok, heat it up on high heat and add oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and mushrooms and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are cooked through. You can add other ingredients like garlic, ginger, and vegetables to the wok to add more flavour and texture to the dish.

Steaming Method

Steaming is another popular Chinese cooking technique that is often used to cook chicken. When making chicken with shiitake mushroom, you can use a steaming plate or steamer to cook the chicken and mushrooms together. This method is great for retaining the natural flavours and nutrients of the ingredients.

To steam the chicken and mushrooms, place them in a steaming plate or steamer and cook for about 20-25 minutes. You can add other ingredients like seafood, tofu, or vegetables to the plate or steamer to create a more complex and flavourful dish.

Final Touches

Once your chicken and shiitake mushrooms are cooked, you can add some final touches to the dish to enhance its flavour and presentation. You can sprinkle some chopped green onions or cilantro on top of the dish to add some colour and freshness. You can also add some soy sauce, oyster sauce, or sesame oil to the dish to add more flavour.

If you want to add seafood to the dish, you can use shrimp, scallops, or squid. Simply stir-fry or steam the seafood with the chicken and shiitake mushrooms to create a delicious and nutritious dish.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

When serving Chinese steamed chicken with shiitake mushrooms, there are a variety of accompaniments that can be used to complement the dish. Here are a few suggestions:

• Steamed Rice: Steamed rice is a classic accompaniment to Chinese dishes. You can use either white or brown rice. For a more flavourful rice, you can add some chicken broth or soy sauce while cooking.
• Fried Rice: If you're looking for a more substantial side dish, fried rice is a great option. You can use leftover steamed rice and fry it with some vegetables, eggs, and soy sauce.
• Noodles: Another option is to serve the chicken and mushrooms with noodles. You can use either egg noodles or rice noodles. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, and then toss them with some soy sauce and sesame oil for added flavour.
• Spring Onions/Scallions: To add some freshness and crunch to the dish, you can sprinkle some chopped spring onions or scallions on top of the chicken and mushrooms.

Presentation Tips

When serving Chinese steamed chicken with shiitake mushrooms, presentation is important. Here are a few tips to help make your dish look more appetising:

• Use a steamer basket: To ensure that your chicken and mushrooms are cooked evenly, use a steamer basket instead of a plate. This will also help to prevent the chicken from becoming too soggy.
• Garnish with herbs: To add some colour and flavour to the dish, you can garnish it with some fresh herbs such as coriander or parsley.
• Serve in a clay pot: For a more traditional presentation, you can serve the chicken and mushrooms in a clay pot. This will help to keep the dish warm and add some rustic charm to your table setting.

You can also add some seafood to the dish such as some prawns or scallops. Simply steam them along with the chicken and mushrooms, and then serve them on top of the dish as a garnish.

Nutritional Information

If you are looking for a delicious and healthy meal, chicken with shiitake mushroom is a great option. This Chinese recipe is packed with essential nutrients that can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional information for this dish:

• Calories: A typical serving of chicken with shiitake mushroom contains around 250-300 calories. However, this can vary depending on the specific recipe and portion size.

• Total Fat: Chicken is a lean protein source, so this dish is relatively low in fat. However, the addition of oil and other ingredients may increase the fat content slightly.

• Carbohydrates: This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a good option for those following a low-carb or keto diet.

• Protein: Chicken is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. A serving of this dish typically contains around 25-30 grams of protein.

• Cholesterol: Chicken is relatively low in cholesterol, but the addition of other ingredients may increase the cholesterol content slightly.

• Sodium: Depending on the specific recipe, this dish may be high in sodium. To reduce the sodium content, you can use low-sodium soy sauce and other seasonings.

• Fiber: This dish is not particularly high in fiber, but you can increase the fiber content by adding vegetables such as broccoli or bok choy.

• Vitamin A: Chicken with shiitake mushroom is a good source of vitamin A, which is important for maintaining healthy skin and eyes.

• Vitamin C: While this dish is not particularly high in vitamin C, you can increase the vitamin C content by adding bell peppers or other vegetables.

• Calcium: Chicken is not a significant source of calcium, but you can increase the calcium content by adding tofu or other calcium-rich foods.

• Iron: Chicken with shiitake mushroom is a good source of iron, which is essential for healthy blood cells and overall energy levels.

If you want to add some seafood to this dish, you can try adding shrimp or scallops. These seafood options are low in calories and high in protein, making them a great addition to this recipe. Just make sure to cook them separately before adding them to the dish, as they may require different cooking times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to prepare shiitake mushrooms for a stir-fry?

To prepare shiitake mushrooms for a stir-fry, you should first clean them by wiping them with a damp cloth or rinsing them briefly under cold water. Then, remove the stems and slice the caps into thin pieces. You can also soak the mushrooms in water for about 30 minutes to soften them before cooking.

Can you recommend a good sauce to go with chicken and shiitake mushrooms?

A classic sauce that goes well with chicken and shiitake mushrooms is oyster sauce. You can also add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar to create a sweet and savoury flavour. For a spicy kick, you can add some chilli flakes or Szechuan peppercorns. If you want to add seafood to the dish, you can use fish sauce or shrimp paste to enhance the umami flavour.

What are some tips for cooking chicken to keep it tender in a Chinese-style dish?

To keep chicken tender in a Chinese-style dish, you can marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You should also cook the chicken over high heat for a short period of time to prevent it from becoming dry and tough. Adding a bit of chicken broth or water to the pan while cooking can also help keep the chicken moist.

How do you properly clean shiitake mushrooms before cooking?

To clean shiitake mushrooms before cooking, you should wipe them with a damp cloth or rinse them briefly under cold water. Then, remove the stems and slice the caps into thin pieces. You can also soak the mushrooms in water for about 30 minutes to soften them before cooking.

Are there any tricks to enhance the flavour of shiitake mushrooms in a recipe?

To enhance the flavour of shiitake mushrooms in a recipe, you can sauté them in garlic and ginger before adding them to the dish. You can also use dried shiitake mushrooms instead of fresh ones, as they have a stronger flavour. Adding a bit of soy sauce or oyster sauce can also help enhance the umami flavour of the mushrooms.

What are some common side dishes to serve with a chicken and shiitake mushroom meal?

Some common side dishes to serve with a chicken and shiitake mushroom meal include steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and egg drop soup. If you want to add seafood to the meal, you can serve it with steamed fish or shrimp stir-fry.